Swim platform steps

[MikeP]

Our 53MY's swim platform ladder from the deck down to the platform and the flip down ladder from the platform to the water has wood steps. I want to replace them with metal steps. I have been doing some on-line searching but so far I have only found wood replacement steps or complete metal ladders. Any have a line on replacement metal steps?

 

[Pascal]

I ve never seen just the steps. And since ladders all come in different widths I doubt you can find something that will just fit.

A good metal shop should be able to make them although cost will be pretty high...

My boat has a welded SS ladder from the aft to the platform with nice wide SS steps. For th swim ladder i added a retractable, under platform ladder which has plastic steps

 

[SeaEric]

Eric Jans can make really nice looking Starboard steps that will be direct replacements for the wood.

 

[MikeP]

Sounds like a winner! I'll give him a call, Thanks Eric!

 

[gbharrington]

Not to just parachute in here with a little self promotion, but I can make you some nice aluminum ones, powder coated, anodized, or bare, that would also be a direct replacement for the wood if you would prefer to go with metal.
And, as I think more about it, stainless treads that weld into place could be done for a lot less. PM me if you would like to pursue it

 

[holtcl]

Mike- if you get rid of the wood ones and they can be used as spares I'll be happy to take them off of your hands if they're compatible with mine- happy to give you some $ for them or whatever is fair.

Cheryl
Cinderella
1971 53 MY

 

[MikeP]

Cheryl,

In keeping with my life-long philosophy to "buy high, sell low," you are welcome to the steps at no cost if/when I find a suitable replacement and, of course, if they fit your application.


Greg, thanks for the offer. I appreciate it and do not consider it self promotion at all. At the moment I don't think I want to spend the money that would be involved in fabricating metal steps specifically for the job. I had thought that they would be available over-the-counter. I will probably pursue the Starboard option, at least initially but if I don't care for that idea/appearance…we may talk!

 

[bobk]

Mike, two considerations for you:

If you go with Starboard remember it is polyethylene. I think mine are something like that and they have cracks near the fastenings. My treads have a stippled finish that holds dirt/rust etc from the pipes. I believe exhaust contributes to this.

What ever you go back with, be sure to use 316L fasteners. In my case, I had a local independent SS fabricator make new pipes and fittings from 316L and it made a huge difference. He is in Baltimore if you want to pursue that. Cost was about $400 a few years ago installed. Just PM me.

Bobk

 

[jim rosenthal]

I spoke with Greg this evening about this idea. I am going to measure my boat's ladder; I like the idea of stainless-steel treads welded to the ladder. We'll see how all this pans out.

For me, the idea of not having to clean the teak steps of the bridge ladder would be quite welcome indeed. The little boarding ladder is much easier to work on as it just lifts out. Getting the bridge ladder loose is not nearly as easy.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I seem to remember seeing somewhere that Sams sold the starboard replacements.

 

[MikeP]

Greg,

PM Sent...

 

[holtcl]

Thanks Mike- I'm not going anywhere and as you know I keep a continual eye out for parts and anything else I can hoard in my storage unit. Of course if they aren't a fit, someone else may want them.

Good luck with the project!

Cheryl
Cinderella
1971 53 MY

 

[gbharrington]

Mike and Jim,
I have a quote on the processes less material. I've been busy finishing and installing the 1st "production" davit and have not had a chance to research the material. I intend to use 316L polished SS. I'm told that it is hard to come by. I should have a chance early next week to follow up.